There’s something about winter that demands a mug in hand. Not tea. Not coffee. Hot chocolate, the real kind.

Start with quality hot chocolate flakes

Making the best hot chocolate at home starts with real chocolate flakes (powder isn’t in our vocabulary). The Knoops Chocolate Library includes luxury hot chocolate flakes spanning from creamy 28% White hot chocolate to darker vegan chocolates, including our best-selling 54% Dark.

Pick your milk

For a classic cup, whole milk delivers richness. For a vegan hot chocolate, use plant milks like almond, soya or oat.

Best hot chocolate method

1. Melt your flakes: Do this in a saucepan with milk over medium-low heat. Whisk constantly until the chocolate melts and the mixture becomes smooth and slightly thickened. Avoid boiling; gentle heat preserves the chocolate’s flavour.

2. Add your mix-ins: A grating of orange zest, a sprinkle of cinnamon, a pinch of sea salt; these flavours all sit well with the season.

3. Serve and top: Pour into your favourite mug and crown it with whipped cream, a marshmallow… or both (Knoopsmas rules). For perfect texture every time, a hot chocolate maker / hot chocolate machine helps recreate our in-bar precision at home.

(Knoops flakes are compatible with all hot chocolate makers, so can be used in place of Velvetiser sachets.)